Rising Oxfordshire star Bradley Smith has signed a deal to ride for the Spanish-based Aspar Aprilia team for the next two years.

The 17-year-old from Forest Hill turned them down at the end of last season, but they kept up their interest in the youngster.

Smith said: "It’s a great team to join because they have won world championships.

"Jorge Martinez, the team owner, is a multiple world champion and I will be in the same team as Gabor Talmacsi and Alvaro Bautista, who are former world champ- ions."

Smith will continue riding in the 125cc class next season, but with an option to ride in the 250cc class with them a year later.

The news is boost for Smith, whose present team, Polaris World, will not be running next year because of the economic slump.

Smith added: "I feel really gutted for them, because they are good people who have spent so much time and effort on my behalf.

"There is nothing I want more than win one of the last two remaining grands prix for them to say thank-you."

Smith's next action is in Malaysia a week on Sunday.